Since the 1970's Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley (MCC-Penn Valley) has
offered college credit classes through the vocational program known as Child Growth
and Development. In 1990, several community leaders and educators embarked on a journey
to increase the quality of care for children by providing accessible and affordable
education and professional development opportunities to adults working in the field.
A unique partnership was formed by MCC-Penn Valley, the Francis Family Foundation,
the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, Affiliated Trusts and KCMC Child Development
Corporation. Through this collaboration, the Francis Institute Resource Center was
created to provide on-site technical assistance, education and training for early
childhood and afterschool providers.

In 1995, with a lead gift from the Francis Family Foundation, a state-of-the art child care center was built to complement the existing Associate
of Applied Science (AAS) program, providing students with opportunities for internships
and observation. This addition allowed all of the Francis Institute's services to
be housed in one area; bringing new and existing programs under one umbrella and forming
a three tier entity which encompasses the CDCG, the child care center, and the Francis
Institute Resource Center.

Making a difference

For over two decades, the Francis Institute has grown to be a strong leader and advocate
in education on many levels. The Francis Institute has altered the traditional role
of higher education by dramatically increasing the range and delivery of its educational
programs. The MCC-Penn Valley Child Growth and Development (CDCG) department offers
college credit coursework on and off campus through a variety of delivery systems.

The Francis Institute Resource Center offers continuing education training in English
or Spanish that addresses a variety of needs, learning styles and levels. Professional
Development Specialists (PDS) deliver customized on-site consultation services for
early childhood and school-age programs preparing for licensing, pursuing accreditation,
or participating in quality improvement initiatives on a state-wide and/or national
level.